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Teaching Careers and Professional Development

How to Become a Higher Education Administrator

By The Editorial Team

Higher education administration can be a fulfilling career path for educators who want to play an active role in influencing the operations of a university, rather than personally teaching. With the ability to customize curricula, structure programs and services, and keep colleges and universities running smoothly, higher education administration serves a critical role in hundreds of institutions around the country.

Higher education refers to any education opportunity past traditional K-12 schooling, ranging from community colleges to universities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, working as a higher education administrator provides a comfortable salary in a burgeoning industry. With projected job growth between 2018 and 2028 of 7%, or 13,500 open positions, there is a lot of potential for professionals who choose this path.

Average Salaries for Higher Education Administrators

As highlighted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, working as a higher education administrator can be a lucrative career path. The average salary for an administrator is around $95,410 per year — almost double the annual median income for a family of four. Average salary outcome with a master’s in higher education administration is $92,782.

While this is the average, there are higher earning roles available for those who are dedicated and driven to postsecondary success. Take, for example, college presidents. A career path that generally follows excellence in other leadership roles, such as serving as a dean, some college presidents make a healthy salary for their important work. Earning potential can vary from school to school and job role to job role, so interested educators should do their research.

Job Growth Potential for Higher Education Administrators

The administration field for those in higher education holds many possibilities. Postsecondary administration isn’t a single career path but rather an umbrella term that encompasses a wide variety of high-level positions in administrative offices throughout a college. This can range from working in admissions, helping choose the right students for a college, to overseeing the financial aid process, awarding scholarships, and processing student loans. With so many different positions at each school across many different departments, there are countless opportunities for those who excel in the field.

Job growth in the industry overall is also promising — the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects faster than average growth, providing a wealth of employment options for education professionals who choose to pursue this path. With an estimated growth rate of 7% and the addition of around 13,500 jobs over the course of the next decade, this is a good time for interested educators to enter the industry.

In spite of growth within the field, higher education jobs are often very competitive, due to good benefits and high salaries. Competitive candidates often hold advanced degrees in higher education administration and possess strong backgrounds in both education and management.

Degrees for Higher Education Administration Positions

Higher education administration positions generally require substantial higher education. While some positions can be obtained with just a four-year degree in an education or management field, most of these positions require, at minimum, a master’s degree in a related discipline.

Master of Education degrees are one of the most popular choices for higher education administrators. Unlike a Master of Arts in Teaching, which focuses more on classroom skills, an MEd delves deeper into the theory behind education rather than teaching strategy. This kind of degree teaches a broader, higher-level approach that is most appropriate for those overseeing a general educational environment, rather than working hands-on with students on a daily basis.

A Master of Education degree isn’t the only option for those considering a career in higher education administration. Some successful candidates may also hold business-related degrees, such as a Master of Business Administration. Some schools also offer specialized master’s degrees in topics, such as Student Affairs Administration that are specifically intended for work in postsecondary administration.

While less common, some administrators hold doctoral degrees in related fields. This is most common for those interested in educational research. Degrees, such as Doctor of Education and Doctor of Higher Education Administration can prepare professionals for higher education administration careers and increase the competitiveness of candidacy.

Careers Available in Higher Education Administration

Due to the large range of fields covered within higher education administration, there are many different career paths available for qualified professionals to consider. These include:

  • Academic Advising: In a role that helps students plan the course of their collegiate careers, academic advisers work one-on-one with students to determine class schedules that fulfill graduation requirements and explore personal interests. Higher-level positions may oversee the advising process and ensure proper resources are available.
  • Admissions and Enrollment Management: The Office of Admissions oversees collegiate admissions. Professionals working in this space will evaluate applications, interview students, coordinate campus visits, organize campus tours, and process admissions acceptances.
  • Development and Advancement: The fundraising arm of an educational institution, jobs in development involve raising funds for general campus maintenance and specific capital projects.
  • Career Services: Career services professionals support students in the pursuit of internships and jobs, both during school and after graduation. Other services may include resume and cover letter reviews, interview preparation, and maintaining positive relationships with internship and new graduate hiring programs.
  • Financial Aid: The Office of Financial Aid provides support for students in paying for education. In this department, administrators organize scholarships for both new and current students, apply student loans to student accounts, and process tuition and room and board payments.
  • Registrar: The Office of the Registrar manages student records, including transcripts, enrollment history, and any other topics related to activity in a school. In this field, administrators maintain student data, oversee class registration, and handle major declarations.
  • Student Affairs: Many roles in higher education administration involve directly overseeing the activities students are involved in on campus. This can extend from housing to groups and clubs, encompassing all aspects of life on campus. This office is usually led by a dean or provost, with assistant roles overseeing different class years, departments, or activities.
  • Department Chair: Management professionals who often directly supervise the teachers and professors delivering educational content in the classroom. Depending on the skillset and ambition of the instructor, a move up into the role of department chair may be a significant step on the career ladder.

With comfortable salaries, above-average growth rates, and a wide range of fields available in postsecondary management, a career in higher education administration can be very fulfilling.

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    Master’s in Higher Education Administration

    By The Room 241 Team

    Your guide to graduate degrees in higher education administration

    To pursue a career in higher education administration, you need much more than teaching experience. An advanced degree helps prepare you for the multitude of hats academics wear. You’ll learn the ins and outs of ethics as it applies to admissions counseling, academic advising, and alumni relations.

    If you plan to move up the ladder in the academic setting, you’ll also want to create a life plan, outlining the steps along your road to success. Studying alongside other professionals and meeting national experts in the field of higher education can help springboard a career in this exciting field.

    Is an advanced degree in higher education administration right for you?

    Does a master’s in higher education administration suit your personal and professional interests?

    If you’re thinking of advancing your career or moving in an entirely different direction with your educational background, it often helps to browse various college graduate programs. Another idea is to research job opportunities and check out the listed requirements. But it still comes down to finding what really captures your passion.

    Does a master’s in higher education administration fit your career goals?

    When trying to determine your fit for a profession, it often helps to ask yourself a series of questions. The answers can help you direct your studies, which is critical in a field as varied as higher education administration.

    • Are you comfortable socializing while on the clock? Depending on your department and the size of the school, you might have to attend fundraising events, recreational activities, and commencement and award ceremonies.
    • Do you enjoy spending time with students from diverse cultural backgrounds? As a director of student services, you’ll need to be accessible, supportive, and at times play the role of mom or dad.
    • Are you detail-oriented with a flair for organization? Some positions will require data analysis and a firm grasp on the college’s or university’s core requirements.
    • Do you relish communicating with individuals as diverse as incoming freshmen, their parents, and tenured faculty? You’ll need top communication skills to succeed in this demanding field.

    How do I choose a graduate-level higher education administration program?

    So, you know why earning a master’s degree is good for your career, and you’re pretty sure that a master’s degree in higher education administration meshes with your interests and goals. This is a great start, but there’s still more to think over. 

    First off, you need to explore the many program options in higher education administration. It is important to note that while an advanced degree in higher education administration may be well suited to teachers (especially those in the middle and high school grades), these programs also could be suitable for people in the corporate world. 

    Educational program titles — what you need to know

    When you start your search for a suitable master’s program, keep in mind that each college or university may have a different title for their degree program. In addition to name variations, there are also different types of degrees.

    These are some of the more common program titles:

    • Master of Professional Studies in Higher Administration Education
    • Master of Education in Higher Education Administration
    • Master of Education in Education Leadership
    • Master of Education in Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs

    If you’re confused as to which degree you should pursue, from MEd to MA to MPS, consider your end goal. Is this a terminal degree for you, or do you think you might continue towards your doctorate? Another suggestion is to check out the background of faculty who hold positions you aspire toward. Which degree seems most common for your future career? Also, study the curriculum carefully to ensure you’re getting the coursework you need.

    What kinds of courses are offered in master’s in higher education administration programs? What do they teach?

    No matter how a higher education administration program is titled, it will include both foundation curriculum and hands-on learning that lets you try different strategies for sharing career-related knowledge with students of all abilities.

    Sample courses in higher education administration programs:

    • College and University Management — During this course, you’ll learn how higher education organizations are structured, from community colleges to state and private institutions. Topics covered include budgeting, resource and faculty management, and fundraising.
    • Government Involvement in Higher Education — Discover how politics plays a role in the higher education system. This course can also cover the legal aspects of higher education administration and may even go into global affairs.
    • Student Affairs — Learn the role and responsibilities assigned to a student affairs professional. You’ll cover all the aspects of student development, including their social, intellectual, and emotional needs.
    • Ethics — No graduate study is complete without a course on ethics. In the higher education system, the study of morals and behaviors is particularly relevant.

    Variations in coursework in higher education administration programs

    Program curricula will vary depending on the school’s goals. Some of the factors of your decision will include cost and time to complete, but you cannot underestimate the importance of the coursework in the program. Make certain to research all the courses in a program you’re considering to make sure they are relevant to your goals.

    What else makes graduate higher education administration programs unique?

    • Train with field professionals — While pursuing your degree in higher education administration, you’ll be learning from and working with professionals who hold the exact positions you hope to obtain. Your instructors’ jobs will reflect your coursework each day.
    • Gain experience through assistantships and internships — Whether it’s at the college in which you’re enrolled or a nearby institution, real work experience helps you find where your passion lies, and which department interests you the most.
    • Specialize — Higher education administration opportunities come in many forms. The role of the Student Affairs Administrator is much different from Dean of Admissions. This graduate program lets you find the right fit for your unique talents.
    • Learn new techniques and practices — Online classes, international study programs, and new career majors are changing the world of higher education. Your graduate program will prepare you to keep up with an ever-changing contemporary learning system, not to mention the expected increase in student enrollment over the next few years.

    When it comes to finding the right higher education administration program, options are a very good thing. Do your research and find the best match for your interests and goals.

    What jobs are available to people with a master’s in higher education administration?

    Jobs in higher education administration are expected to increase over the next ten years to keep up with student enrollment, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Persons with an advanced degree should be able to apply for a variety of positions within the educational system.

    Education – PreK-12 and universities or colleges

    Schools at all levels are realizing the benefits of higher education administration programs.  You may be able to offer career-related education for students at nearly any level.

    • Director of Student Affairs
      • Lead staff in managing various departments, from athletics to counseling
      • Prepare and monitor the departmental budget
      • Handle complaints and investigations
    • Dean of Admissions
      • Oversee financial aid and scholarships
      • Evaluate students prior to admission
      • Manage staff of student recruiters
    • Alumni Relations Director
      • Organize all reunion and homecoming events
      • Engage alumni through communication via social media, printed magazines, and email
      • Manage a team of volunteers and paid staff

    Other corporations and businesses

    Organizations in other sectors realize the benefit of higher education administration training for employees at all levels. They want to boost their existing workforce by providing quality teachers. This is another employment opportunity for those with a teaching background.

    • Educational Policy Researchers
      • Implement research projects on education
      • Review past studies
      • Publish technical documents and research papers
    • Analysts
      • Develop large-scale assessment tools to measure educational progress
      • Manage research and development aimed at education
      • Support team members with contemporary data

    Source

    University of Wyoming

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    Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

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    Andrews University

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    University of New Orleans

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    Columbus State University

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    University of Central Florida

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    University of Central Florida

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